Concepts
Amazon Web Services (AWS) has established a comprehensive partnership program that brings a myriad of benefits to companies that align with its business model and utilize its services. By becoming an AWS Partner, entities gain access to a wealth of resources that can enhance their expertise, expand their business, and offer AWS-powered solutions to their customers. Below, we will explore some of the key benefits of being an AWS Partner, focusing on aspects such as partner training and certification, partner events, and partner volume discounts.
Partner Training and Certification
AWS offers specialized training programs for its partners to ensure they have the latest knowledge and skills to leverage AWS services effectively.
1. Training Benefits:
- Access to Specialized Training Materials – AWS Partners have access to a wide range of training resources tailored to their specific needs.
- Dedicated Partner Paths – AWS provides learning paths that are specific to different roles such as business professionals, technical professionals, and individuals seeking certification.
- Online and Classroom-Based Learning – Partners can choose from a variety of online self-paced courses or instructor-led classroom training to suit their learning preferences.
2. Certification Benefits:
- Validity of Expertise – AWS Certifications are globally recognized as a mark of expertise and proficiency with AWS services, contributing to the credibility of the partner organization.
- Certification Discounts – Partners may receive discounts on certification exams, making it more cost-effective for employees to become AWS Certified.
- Exclusivity in Engagements – Certain projects require AWS Certified professionals, and as a partner with certified individuals, a company can bid and win such projects.
Partner Events
AWS Partner events present an opportunity for networking, learning, and sharing experiences with peers and industry leaders.
1. Networking Opportunities:
- Global Summits and Re:Invent – Partners can join AWS Global Summits and Re:Invent, which are excellent opportunities for connecting with AWS staff, fellow partners, and potential customers.
- Partner-Only Events – AWS often hosts exclusive events for partners, providing a space to discuss best practices and business strategies aligned with AWS services.
2. Learning and Collaboration:
- Breakout Sessions and Workshops – During these events, AWS Partners can engage in in-depth technical sessions and hands-on workshops led by AWS experts.
- Partner Keynotes – These presentations give insights into AWS product roadmaps, new services, and the future direction of the AWS ecosystem.
Partner Volume Discounts
One of the financial advantages of being an AWS Partner is access to volume discounts.
1. Economies of Scale:
- Discounts Based on AWS Usage – As an AWS Partner, the more services you use or resell, the higher the volume discounts you can receive.
- Custom Pricing Options – AWS may offer custom pricing to partners for certain high-volume projects or when deploying specific solutions at scale.
2. Increased Profitability:
- Pass-Through Discounts – Partners can provide discounted rates to their end customers, thanks to the volume discounts received, creating competitive pricing and potentially higher margins.
3. Cost Management Tools:
- AWS provides partners with tools to track and manage their AWS spending, allowing them to optimize usage and costs, reflecting in overall profitability.
Comparison Table: Benefits of Being an AWS Partner
| Benefit Category | Specific Benefit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Training & Certification | Specialized Training Materials | Custom training paths for AWS Partner employees. |
| Certification Discounts | Reduced costs for employees to get AWS Certified. | |
| Events | Networking Opportunities | Access to global summits and partner-only events. |
| Learning & Collaboration | Workshops and keynotes exclusive to partners. | |
| Volume Discounts | Economies of Scale | Discounts increase with more AWS usage. |
| Increased Profitability | Competitive pricing options for end customers. |
In summary, becoming an AWS Partner provides a platform for growth and success by offering training and certifications to validate your expertise, exclusive events to foster networking and learning, and volume discounts to improve profitability. Enterprises leveraging these benefits can differentiate themselves in the market, deliver more value to customers, and build a stronger presence within the AWS ecosystem.
Answer the Questions in Comment Section
True or False: Being an AWS Partner does not provide any access to technical training resources.
- Answer: False
Explanation: AWS Partners have access to a range of technical training resources to help them better understand and utilize AWS services.
Multiple Select: What are some of the benefits provided to AWS Partners? (Select all that apply)
- a) Partner events
- b) Custom AWS logos
- c) Access to the AWS Management Console
- d) Partner volume discounts
Answer: a, b, d
Explanation: AWS Partners benefit from partner events, the use of custom AWS logos, and volume discounts. Access to the AWS Management Console is available to all AWS customers, not just partners.
Single Select: Which program offers AWS Partners discounts based on their volume of business?
- a) AWS Market Development Funds (MDF)
- b) AWS Partner Tier Discounts
- c) AWS Promotional Credit
- d) AWS Public Sector Partner Program
Answer: b) AWS Partner Tier Discounts
Explanation: AWS Partner Tier Discounts are offered to partners based on their tier status and volume of business conducted.
True or False: AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global partner program focused exclusively on large enterprises.
- Answer: False
Explanation: The AWS Partner Network (APN) is a global partner program that is open to businesses of all sizes, ranging from startups to large enterprises.
True or False: AWS Partners may receive prioritized support from AWS.
- Answer: True
Explanation: AWS Partners can benefit from prioritized support, which can help them resolve issues and support their own customers more effectively.
Single Select: What kind of support can AWS Partners receive for their go-to-market efforts?
- a) Co-branded marketing campaigns
- b) Free AWS Cloud instances
- c) Waived AWS certification fees
- d) Unlimited AWS usage for development
Answer: a) Co-branded marketing campaigns
Explanation: AWS Partners can benefit from co-branded marketing campaigns to support their go-to-market efforts.
Multiple Select: Which of the following certifications may be discounted or provided with funding support for AWS Partners? (Select all that apply)
- a) AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Professional
- b) AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner
- c) AWS Certified Big Data – Specialty
- d) Non-AWS related certifications
Answer: a, b, c
Explanation: AWS often provides funding support or discounts for AWS certifications to its partners. Non-AWS related certifications are generally not covered.
True or False: AWS Partner events offer opportunities for networking with AWS employees and other AWS Partners.
- Answer: True
Explanation: Partner events offer excellent opportunities for networking and learning from AWS employees and other partners in the industry.
True or False: As an AWS Partner, you automatically receive the highest discounts from the start.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Discounts and benefits for AWS Partners are typically tied to the partner tier level, which is based on performance, expertise, and customer success.
True or False: AWS Partners are not allowed to use AWS trademarks in their marketing materials.
- Answer: False
Explanation: AWS Partners may use AWS trademarks according to the guidelines provided by AWS, often as part of co-branded marketing materials.
Single Select: Which of the following is a benefit for AWS Partners focusing on public sector clients?
- a) AWS Entertainment Program
- b) AWS Public Sector Partner Program
- c) AWS Health Program
- d) AWS GovCloud
Answer: b) AWS Public Sector Partner Program
Explanation: The AWS Public Sector Partner Program is specifically designed to help partners focusing on government, education, and nonprofit organizations.
True or False: All AWS Partners have the same level of access to AWS training and certifications regardless of their tier status.
- Answer: False
Explanation: Higher-tiered AWS Partners typically have access to greater benefits, including more extensive training and certification resources and support.
The partner training and certification provided by AWS are top-notch. It definitely helped my team get up to speed with the latest AWS technologies.
We’re new to the AWS Partner Network. Can someone explain how partner volume discounts work?
Partner events are very useful. I made some great connections at the AWS Summit last year.
Does anyone have a good strategy for keeping up with the frequent changes in AWS services as a partner?
The partner training has streamlined our onboarding process for new hires. They become productive much faster.
Not entirely happy with the partner support. Some tickets take forever to get resolved.
Thanks for sharing this blog post!
The partner certification path is clear and well-structured. Our certifications have helped us attract more clients.